In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with leadership and culture expert Brett Hoogeveen, co-founder of BetterCulture, for an inspiring conversation about how great leaders shape workplaces where people truly thrive. From Omaha, Nebraska, Brett shares how his father’s influence as a nonprofit founder and visionary leader sparked his lifelong passion for understanding motivation, teamwork, and what makes organizations succeed from the inside out. What began as lessons learned at home has grown into a mission to help companies build better leaders and stronger workplace cultures.

Brett is a trained engineer, former healthcare executive, startup investor, and co-founder of BetterCulture—a leading leadership development and technology firm serving clients from entrepreneurial startups to Fortune 500 companies. Over the past decade, he has trained thousands of leaders and worked closely with hundreds of organizations to create stronger businesses through elevated leaders, engaged teams, and more energized workplace cultures. As an international speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®), Brett delivers practical, actionable insights on leadership, company culture, and the not-so-secret keys to success and happiness.

In this episode, Brett unpacks his powerful concept of “Stars vs. Vacuums,” explaining how every organization has individuals who either lift others up or pull them down—and why great leaders ensure that their stars win the battle for influence. With wisdom, humor, and relatable stories, Brett reminds us that culture isn’t built by chance—it’s shaped by daily choices, authentic leadership, and a shared commitment to growth. When he’s not guiding companies toward better culture, Brett enjoys life in Omaha with his wife and three spunky kids, where he proudly claims his title as one of the “Top 10 Airzooka Marksmen” in the world.

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On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Cal Riley — veteran, entrepreneur, leadership coach, author, and EOS implementer. Cal opens up about his remarkable journey from military service to business leadership, and the personal experiences that have shaped his mission to help leaders lead with both drive and compassion.

Cal’s book, Entrepreneurial Compassion, was born out of tragedy after losing his brother to suicide. In honor of his brother, Cal committed himself to building a movement of compassionate entrepreneurs with the belief that fostering care in leadership not only prevents burnout and isolation but also creates stronger businesses and healthier communities. He explains how compassion is not a weakness in business, but a powerful driver of trust, loyalty, and long-term success.

This conversation dives deep into practical strategies for leaders looking to balance ambition with empathy. From cultivating self-awareness through journaling and meditation to strengthening teams by showing genuine care, Cal shares insights that can transform the way you lead and live. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink what true success really means.

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On this episode of the Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland welcomes back Dr. Colby Jubenville for an inspiring conversation about what it truly means to succeed. With his trademark mix of storytelling and straight talk, Dr. Jubenville unpacks how success is defined differently today and why resilience, clarity, and community are more important than ever. From memories of childhood lessons to reflections on leadership and personal growth, he brings a message that challenges listeners to pursue success on their own terms.

Dr. Colby Jubenville, PhD, is a nationally recognized coach, advisor, and professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he leads the Center for Student Coaching and Success. He is the author of Zebras and Cheetahs and Me: How To Sell Who You Are, What You Do & Why You Matter to the World, and has published more than 50 professional articles. Through his work, Dr. Jubenville helps people uncover their unique talents, build confidence, and take ownership of their future, using obstacles as opportunities to grow.

In this conversation, Brett and Dr. Jubenville dive deep into the shifting meaning of success across generations, the challenges of social media comparisons, and the timeless principles that help people thrive. Whether you’re a student preparing for the next step, an entrepreneur chasing a vision, or a leader guiding others, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to keep moving forward and create a life that’s uniquely yours.

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On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Eric Blankenship, the Nashville entrepreneur who turned an unexpected career pivot into a thriving empire. As Co-Owner of All Access Coach Leasing, Eric provides luxury tour buses for country music’s biggest stars, from George Strait and Martina McBride to Jason Aldean and Luke Combs. His path wasn’t straightforward, but his story proves that detours can lead to destinations greater than the original plan.

Eric came to Nashville in 1992 with hopes of becoming the next big country artist. Along the way, he sold merch for Ricky Skaggs, drove buses for Tim McGraw and Lari White, and discovered a new passion that would eventually transform his life. Partnering with Jim Borelli, he built All Access Coach from the ground up, starting with bare bus shells and growing the fleet to nearly 40 rolling homes that serve tours across the nation. His relentless work ethic and commitment to being the best—not the biggest—set his company apart in a demanding industry.

Despite building a successful business, Eric never left music behind. He recently performed at the Grand Ole Opry alongside The Isaacs, received his first ASCAP royalty check, and continues to open for country legends like Gene Watson and the Oak Ridge Boys. His journey is one of vision, perseverance, and balance—proof that you can create lasting success in business while still keeping your creative dreams alive.

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Coach Josh Schertz went from a homeless high school dropout to leading a Division I basketball program. In this powerful conversation, Coach Schertz shares the setbacks that shaped him, the mentors who changed his path, and the philosophy of Kaizen—continuous daily improvement—that drives his success. Packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and belief, this episode is for anyone chasing growth on or off the court.

Josh Schertz, named head coach of the Saint Louis Billikens in 2024, has built a reputation as one of college basketball’s premier program-builders. He revitalized Indiana State with a Missouri Valley Conference title and national Coach of the Year honors, after turning Lincoln Memorial into a Division II powerhouse with multiple 30-win seasons and deep tournament runs. Known for his up-tempo, efficient offense and detail-driven approach, Schertz brings vision and consistency to every program he leads.

Off the court, Schertz is equally focused on relationships and community. A husband and father of two, he carves out time to travel with his family, often unplugging from basketball to recharge. He’s active in the Jewish community and makes it a priority to connect the Billikens with the broader St. Louis culture. A self-proclaimed foodie with a love for sushi and Italian cuisine, Schertz enjoys exploring local spots and has a traveler’s heart, with the Amalfi Coast among his favorite destinations. He also follows tennis, baseball, and football. At his core, Schertz sees coaching as more than wins — it’s about building trust, shaping lives, and creating bonds that last well beyond the final buzzer.

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Jon Jay’s career is more than highlight reels and championship rings—it’s a story of resilience, perspective, and adapting to the moment. In this conversation with Brett Gilliland, Jon reflects on growing up in Miami, his journey through the majors, and the lessons he carried from his family’s sacrifices.

He dives into what it meant to win the 2011 World Series, the importance of accountability, and why building networks beyond the field mattered just as much as his time in center field. It’s an inside look at the mindset of an athlete who never considered himself the “best” but found success through preparation, discipline, and faith in the process.

Jon Jay, nicknamed “The Federalist,” carved out a 12-year MLB career as one of the most dependable outfielders of his era. Drafted by the Cardinals in 2006 out of the University of Miami, he debuted in 2010 and quickly became the team’s everyday center fielder, helping St. Louis win the 2011 World Series. Known for his consistency at the plate (.283 career average) and elite defense—including an NL record 245 consecutive error-free games in center—Jay brought steady production wherever he played, from the Cardinals to the Padres, Cubs, Royals, Diamondbacks, White Sox, and Angels. Off the field, Jay has been active in community work and is a proud family man. After retiring in 2022, he shifted into coaching, first with the Miami Marlins and, fittingly, returned to the Cardinals organization in 2024 as part of their staff—bringing his career full circle in St. Louis.

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On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes Marc Bushala, a serial entrepreneur, spirits innovator, and branding connoisseur who doesn’t do things halfway. Marc shares how he co-founded Angel’s Envy alongside legendary master distiller Lincoln Henderson, bringing to life a bourbon that broke through the noise with its port barrel finish and iconic wing-embossed bottle. Just four years later, Bacardi acquired the brand—cementing Angel’s Envy as a modern classic in the whiskey world.

After that success, Marc founded Spirits Investment Partners (SIP) to incubate and elevate early-stage spirit brands. One of his boldest moves? Teaming up with Bob Dylan to launch Heaven’s Door Whiskey—a brand where Dylan’s art meets world-class whiskey. From its collectible “Bootleg” series to its core portfolio of bourbons and rye, Heaven’s Door has become a standout in the premium spirits market. Marc also continues to push boundaries through Playboy Spirits, where he’s building Rare Hare, 3Hares tequila, and Play Hard Seltzers into a diverse, globally recognized portfolio.

In this conversation, Marc opens up about his entrepreneurial journey—from real estate ventures in post-communist Europe to reinventing the spirits game in the U.S. and beyond. He shares his philosophy that people don’t want to drink more, they want to drink better—and how he’s built businesses around that belief. Whether it’s bourbon, tequila, or innovation at scale, Marc’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, elevating quality, and building brands that last.

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In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes business leader and author Jim Huntzicker for an eye-opening discussion on mindset, limiting beliefs, and the power of self-awareness. Jim reveals how early childhood experiences and subconscious decisions shaped his career path—including why he repeatedly walked away from profitable businesses—and how he eventually broke free from those patterns.

Drawing from his book Mindset Breakthrough, Jim explains the five primary drivers of human behavior and how they form a loop that can either hold you back or propel you forward. Together, he and Brett explore the connection between beliefs, actions, and results, and why so many of our struggles in adulthood trace back to decisions made before the age of eight. Jim’s story highlights how anyone can rewrite old narratives and create lasting change through intentional mindset shifts.

This conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking personal growth. If you’ve ever wrestled with self-doubt, sabotage, or the feeling of “not enough,” Jim’s wisdom will inspire you to challenge those beliefs and replace them with a new foundation for success.

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In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes Chadd Wright, a former Navy SEAL turned ultra-endurance athlete. Chad’s story is one of resilience and determination, from small-town beginnings in Georgia to chasing the grueling dream of becoming a Navy SEAL, even after a life-altering medical diagnosis nearly ended it all.

Chadd shares his incredible journey of failing, adapting, and ultimately overcoming barriers that would have stopped most people. His relentless drive led him not only to serve as a SEAL but also to take on the seemingly impossible world of 100-mile ultra-marathons, where he pushes the limits of the human body and mind.

This conversation is filled with lessons on grit, perseverance, and the power of refusing to quit. Whether you’re chasing your own goals or facing challenges that feel insurmountable, Chadd’s perspective will inspire you to see setbacks as stepping stones and to realize just how much more you’re capable of achieving.

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You read that right — there’s another Brett Gilliland out there, and in this episode of the Elite Entrepreneurs Podcast, he’s our guest. Brett Gilliland, host of the Circuit of Success podcast, joins our own Brett Gilliland for a rare “name twin” conversation that’s as inspiring as it is fun. What began as a chance LinkedIn mix-up has turned into a powerful meeting of minds, where two entrepreneurs swap insights on leadership, growth, and what it really takes to succeed.

Our guest Brett is more than just a podcaster. As Founder and CEO of Visionary Wealth Advisors, he leads a nationwide financial advisory firm that helps clients achieve “a future greater than their past.” With over 380 podcast interviews under his belt, he’s talked to everyone from professional athletes to everyday high-achievers, uncovering the habits, mindsets, and resilience that fuel success.

In this candid conversation, the two Bretts dive into the challenges of letting go as a leader, transitioning from doer to CEO, and scaling a business while staying true to your vision. It’s part business masterclass, part leadership therapy session, and part uncanny coincidence. Strap in for a rare, high-energy dialogue between two leaders who share not just a name, but a passion for helping people reach their highest potential.

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